What does November 10th 2025 mean to CMMC companies?

Originally developed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to strengthen cybersecurity across its supply chain, CMMC stands for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification. It’s a tiered compliance and certification framework designed to ensure that companies working with the DoD; whether as prime contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers, or service-providers; have the necessary cybersecurity controls in place to protect sensitive government data.  

Put simply: if your organization supplies goods or services (including manufacturing satellite parts, performing engineering services, maintenance, etc.) into the defense industrial base (DIB) and you handle any of the DoD’s non-public data, then CMMC might already apply to you.  

Why This Matters Now 

Here’s the kicker: as of November 10, 2025, new DoD contracts will require compliance with CMMC provisions. That means if you’re not ready now, even if your contract award doesn’t happen until later, you could be excluded from bidding or be unable to win new work. 

Although full regulation may take until around October 2026 (depending on your contract flow-down and readiness), the obligations begin now, and the clock is ticking.  

Who Needs to Get on Board 

Here are the types of organizations that should pay attention: 

• Contractors that work directly with the DoD and handle Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).  

• Sub-contractors and suppliers in the supply chain of those main contractors, even if you’re several tiers removed. The requirement can flow down.  

• Manufacturers or service providers to the defense industry (e.g., satellites, military equipment, electronic systems) who might assume “because we’re a supplier, we’re exempt”, that assumption is risky if you handle sensitive data. 

If your business touches sensitive DoD data or systems, you should assume CMMC may apply and act accordingly. 

CMMC Levels & What They Mean 

CMMC is structured in levels of maturity: the required level depends on the type and sensitivity of information your organization handles.  

Level 1: Foundational 

• Applies to organizations handling FCI (basic contract information) only.  

• Requires self-assessment (annual affirmation) rather than full third-party audit.  

• Basic cyber hygiene controls. 

Level 2: Advanced 

• Applies when you handle CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information), more sensitive data.  

Level 3 – Expert 

• For the highest sensitivity defense programs, exposed to advanced persistent threat (APT) risk.  

• Most demanding controls (including elements of NIST SP 800‑172) and full audit/regulatory oversight.  

What Your Next Steps Should Be 

1. Assess Your Scope 

Identify if you currently process, store or transmit FCI or CUI under any DoD contract or in your subcontract chain. If yes; then CMMC likely affects you. 

2. Determine the Required Level 

Look at your contracts (or those you hope to bid) and identify what level of certification is required (Level 1 / 2 / 3). Your prime contractor should flow down the requirements. 

3. Gap-Analysis & Remediation 

Compare your current cybersecurity posture (policies, controls, documentation, monitoring, incident response) against the required CMMC level (and related NIST control sets). Many organizations find there is significant work to do.  

4. Implement & Document 

Put in place necessary controls, produce required documentation (System Security Plan, Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M), etc.), ensure monitoring, reviews and internal audits.  

5. Certify & Maintain 

For Level 2 or higher, you may require a third-party assessment (C3PAO). After certification, maintain compliance, refresh assessments, annually affirm via the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS), and treat compliance as an ongoing journey, not a one-time tick.  

Why It’s Worth the Effort 

• Competitiveness: Without CMMC certification your organization may be ineligible for new contracts with the DoD or via defense supply-chains. 

• Risk mitigation: Protecting CUI/FCI isn’t just about compliance; it’s about safeguarding sensitive information, avoiding breach-related reputational and financial damage. 

• Supply-chain trust: As a sub-contractor, your readiness may influence your prime contractor’s ability to bid or win. You become a risk factor for them. 

• Long-term value: Many of the controls and processes you implement now will strengthen your overall cybersecurity posture; benefiting not just defense-work but your wider business. 

What Happens If You Delay? 

Delaying puts you at serious risk: as of now, new contract awards may already demand CMMC compliance. If you’re caught unprepared you could: 

• Lose the ability to bid on or win contracts. 

• Be required to ramp up under pressure, leading to rushed implementation, higher costs, and increased risk of audit failures. 

• Suffer competitive disadvantages to firms that are ready. 

How TMGC Can Help 

At TMGC, we specialize in supporting organizations in defense supply chains with their cybersecurity and compliance readiness. Whether you’re just starting to assess your requirements, or you need support implementing controls and preparing for certification, we’re here to guide you. 

• We help map your organization's requirements based on your role and contract scope. 

• We provide gap-analysis, remediation planning, and implementation oversight. 

• We coordinate with certified assessors and help you track documentation and certification workflows. 

• We ensure your cyber posture isn’t just compliant; it’s resilient. 

Stay Eligible. Stay Secure. Stay Ahead with TMGC 

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact TMGC today for a free readiness consultation. Let us help you clarify where you stand, define the controls you need, and build a roadmap to CMMC compliance, so you’re not left behind.